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Golf Post Community Award 2024: These are the recommendations from the community

Golf Post Community Award 2024
Golf Post Community Award 2024 - International. (Foto: Golf Post)

The Golf Post community has for the sixth time decided on the best golf courses. Whether inside or outside Europe, the community has been visiting golf courses worldwide and made recommendations. Thanks to the large Austrian Golfpost Community, the winners once again include many locations in Germany’s neighboring country. But other regions were also convincing and received praise at the Golf Post Community Award 2024. Only one thing is certain about all the recommendations: special experiences await golfers there.

Golf Post Community Award 2024: The category winners

In two categorys, the “Landscape” category and the “Course Condition” category, the winner is the Aphrodite Hills Golf from Cyprus. Among other things, the golf club is known for its special views. Surrounded by a protected forest and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the resort extends over 234 hectares of land, 92 percent of which are purely native plantations. In addition to its good cuisine, the golf club offers unique course conditionn. With view on the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, you will experience a world-class course, that has achieved the status of a PGA National.

The prize in the “Gastronomy” category went to The Montgomery Maxx Royal in Turkey. It’s not only the 18-hole course designed by tour player Colin Montgomery that impressed the voters, but also the delight that comes first. This resort in Belek offers an excellent culinary experience. Guests can look forward to several first-class restaurants and bars offering a variety of delicious food.

In addition to the community recommendation, Golf International Soufflenheim Baden-Baden S.A. can also look forward to winning the “Welcome Culture” category. The golf course from Soufflenheim in France was especially highlighted by the community. Whilst the course designed by Bernhard Langer and Kurt Rossknecht inspires golfers, the atmosphere is particularly familial. If you’re looking for hospitality, you need to look to the French side of the Upper Rhine.

Golfpark Migros, Golfpark Waldkirch, is delighted to receive the award in “Best Value” category. With its 36 holes the Waldkirch Golf Park offers a unique golfing experience in Switzerland. The club conquers the hearts of golfers with its great variety of different holes. Between St. Gallen and Wil, numerous opportunities await guests here. Additionally, to the 18-hole par 71 course, there are two 9-hole courses, a practice center with driving range as well as putting and pitching greens.

From golfers for golfers

The Golf Post Community Award was presented for the sixth time this year, and for the second time international golf clubs were honored as well. The “jury” is the Golf Post community, whose ratings paint an authentic picture of the international golf courses. Up to five stars can be awarded in each of five categories. In addition to winners of each category of the Golf Post Community Award 2024, a total of 20 clubs receive the title “Top Golf Club” thanks to the best ratings. 44 other international clubs with an average rating of at least 4.5 out of 5 stars and a relevant number of ratings in the previous year will be honored with the award as a recommendation from the community.

The intenational top golf clubs:

More Golf Post Community recommendations in Germany:

Have you already played these golf courses? Then rate them now in the Golf Post Course Finder. Other golfers will benefit from your experience and you too can view tens of thousands of ratings and plan your next golfing experience. You can also rate all other golf courses in Europe.

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Equipment Professionals

Tom McKibbin joins Team Callaway

Tom McKibbin signs with Callaway. (Photo: Callaway)
Tom McKibbin signs with Callaway. (Photo: Callaway)

Callaway today announced the signing of exciting young Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin as a new Staff Professional.

A winner on the DP World Tour after just 26 starts, the 21-year-old Northern Irish golf prodigy claimed his breakthrough victory at last year’s Porsche European Open in Germany, and will play a full complement of Callaway and Odyssey equipment, including the new Chrome Tour Golf Ball.

Tom made an incredible start to his golfing career at a very young age. He captured the Junior Honda Classic title in his age group when he was just 12-years-old, and among his many other amateur accolades, at just 16-years-old, was one of the youngest ever players to represent Ireland at the 2019 Home Internationals.

In 2019, his US success continued when he won the prestigious Junior Invitational at Sage Valley Golf Club in South Carolina.

Prior to turning professional in 2021, Tom represented Ireland at the 2018 and 2019 European Boys’ Team Championship and played for Great Britain & Ireland in the Jacques Léglise Trophy the same years.

He will compete in his first DP World Tour tournament as a #TeamCallaway staffer at the Dubai Invitational, which begins this week.

Commenting on this important new signing, Peter Harrison, Director of Tour Relations, Callaway Golf EMEA, said: “Tom is an exciting prospect in the world of professional golf – already a proven winner – and we are proud to have yet another young star of the future join our Callaway and Odyssey families, representing us on the biggest stage.”

Tom added: “I’ve been testing new Callaway and Odyssey products with the Tour team over the winter and I can’t wait to put my new equipment into competitive play. I’ve been a long-time fan of Callaway equipment and I’m confident I can take a big step forwards in my career using their clubs and golf ball.”

Text by Callaway Golf

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Professionals

Martin Slumbers to step down from The R&A by the end of 2024

Martin Slumbers is stepping down as CEO of the R&A at the end of the year. (Photo: R&A)
Martin Slumbers is stepping down as CEO of the R&A at the end of the year. (Photo: R&A)

Martin Slumbers will step down from his role as CEO of the R&A and Secretary of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews at the end of 2024. Mr Slumbers, 63, brought his extensive global business experience and a passion for golf to the organisation. He has led The R&A as the global governing body of golf around the world (outside the US and Mexico) and as Secretary of the iconic golf club, which dates from 1754, he has supported its committees in serving its international membership.

Slumbers’ eventful last year and his legacy

Martin Slumbers will oversee The 152nd Open at Royal Troon, the return of the AIG Women’s Open to St Andrews and the 43rd Curtis Cup match at Sunningdale before relinquishing his role by the end of the year.

Niall Farquharson, Chairman of The R&A said, “In Martin, we have been fortunate to have a CEO who has steered the organisation through a period of growth and enhanced the profile and reputation of our sport to make it more accessible, appealing and inclusive.  Through his stature and influence in the world of golf and sport more widely and in growing the proceeds of The Open to invest back into the game, he has been true to The R&A’s purpose of golf thriving 50 years from now and has shown transformational leadership.  He speaks often of reflecting history in a modern way and that will be his legacy to The R&A and to the Club.”

Martin Slumbers said, “It has been a privilege to serve golf at the highest level. It is a role that I have been proud to carry out on behalf of The R&A’s employees, the members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club and all our global partners. In any career, there is a time to allow the next generation to have its turn. I am grateful to have had the honour, for nearly a decade, to have been the custodian of all that The R&A and the game of golf more broadly represents.“

During his tenure, Mr Slumbers has led a modernisation of The R&A’s activities, which included the merger with the Ladies’ Golf Union and its subsequent integration to enable The R&A to represent golf for men, women, boys and girls at the elite level.

In 2018, as part of his strategic approach to The R&A’s activities, its first Playbook was developed, explaining the purpose of the modern R&A: ‘To make golf open, accessible and inclusive and ensure it is thriving 50 years from now’. This level of clarity has led The R&A to double its financial commitment to golf, with greater emphasis on women and girls; establish a strategic business-driven approach to golf development; and proactively seek to improve the perception of golf as good for you, good for society and good for the environment.

He had oversight of the 2019 modernisation of the Rules of Golf, the roll-out of the World Handicap System in 2020 and the Distance Insights process, the outcome of which was announced in December 2023. He has served on the boards of the Official World Golf Ranking, the International Golf Federation and the LET.

A paradigm shift in the approach to the commercial affairs of The R&A, primarily at The Open, and the level of expertise in the executive team has enabled The R&A to substantially increase its investment into amateur golf around the world and, with partners, has enabled the AIG Women’s Open to grow into a world class championship.

In 2023, Mr Slumbers delivered a four-year project to create the ground-breaking new golf facility, Golf It!, in Glasgow. This family-centred facility based in the community creates an opportunity for more people to enjoy the unbound joy of golf and for members of the local community to gain work, volunteering and training opportunities. 2023 also saw the launch of the G4D Open for the world’s most talented golfers with disabilities and in 2024 a new Africa Amateur Championship will join elite amateur events in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. These include the Women’s Amateur Asia Pacific championship and the Women’s Amateur Latin America championship, both introduced by Mr Slumbers.

Text by R&A Media

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Equipment

New TaylorMade Qi10 series: New drivers, woods and irons for the 2024 golf season

TaylorMade releases the Qi10 series including new drivers, woods and irons. (Credit: TaylorMade)
TaylorMade releases the Qi10 series including new drivers, woods and irons. (Credit: TaylorMade)

TaylorMade presents its new golf clubs for the 2024 season. Qi10 is the name of the series, which includes everything from short irons to drivers in various designs for different types of players. Behind the cryptic name lies an achievement that TaylorMade is particularly proud of. With the “Quest for Inertia” (Qi), the industry giant claims to have entered a new dimension. A moment of inertia in the driver of 10,000 g/cm² is said to offer more forgiveness than any other club before. The other new products (fairway woods and irons) are also designed with playability in mind. For the better players, there are variants that promise low spin despite high forgiveness.

TaylorMade Qi10: New golf clubs for the 2024 season

TaylorMade Qi10 Max Driver: The Qi10 Max is the flagship of TaylorMade’s new driver series and aims to offer exceptional forgiveness. The Moment of Inertia (MOI) is specified at 10,000 g/cm², which according to the manufacturer is significantly higher than all previous in-house productions as well as those of the competition. A higher MOI potentially offers more forgiveness for shots that are not optimally hit. TaylorMade highlights that the driver enhances overall performance through the integration of four key technologies – including advanced construction methods, an optimised head shape, carbon face technology and a specially developed shaft. Stated benefits include a low and low centre of gravity for optimal launch and spin conditions, as well as improved ball speed and energy transfer at contact. The retail price of the TaylorMade Qi10 Max is €649.

TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver: According to the manufacturer, the TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver is designed for advanced golfers with higher swing speeds and is intended to offer a lower spin rate (LS = Low Spin) and a lower launch angle. The design includes a deeper clubface and a more compact overall head shape. TaylorMade promises that this model offers improved aerodynamics and an advanced adjustable weight system, resulting in a lower centre of gravity and optimised inertia for a forgiving but low-spin experience. The TaylorMade Qi10 LS is available at a price of €669.

TaylorMade Qi10 Driver: The standard Qi10 driver is described as an all-rounder that offers distance and forgiveness in a balanced form. The club head has a visually larger shape at address which, together with the Infinity Carbon Crown and a high contrast top rim, is designed to promote confidence at alignment. The Carbon Twist Face technology used aims to maximise and maintain ball speed across the entire clubface. Priced at €649, the TaylorMade Qi10 positions itself as a versatile option in the range.

The new TaylorMade Qi10 fairway woods and hybrids for the 2024 golf season

TaylorMade Qi10 Fairway and Rescue family: The TaylorMade Qi10 series of fairway woods and hybrids includes the Qi10, Qi10 Max and Qi10 Tour models, each designed for different types of players. All models emphasise an optimised clubface design that aims to maximise ball speed across the entire clubface. The Qi10 and Qi10 Max models are said to offer improved forgiveness and an increased launch angle thanks to the Infinity Carbon Crown and precisely positioned mass pads. The Qi10 Tour version, on the other hand, offers a more compact, titanium-based design with an adjustable weight system for customised flight curve options. Prices vary by model, with a starting price of €379 for the Qi10 and Qi10 Max Fairways and €329 for the corresponding Rescue models.

The new TaylorMade Qi10 irons for the 2024 golf season

TaylorMade Qi10 irons: The TaylorMade Qi irons are designed to deliver straight-line distance and precision in the game-improvement iron category. TaylorMade highlights the integrated system design, which is intended to provide optimised performance for each individual iron. Features such as cap-back design technology and customised HYBRAR echo dampeners are said to offer improved sound and feel. With prices starting at £183 per iron for the steel version, the Qi irons are aimed at a wide range of players looking to improve their accuracy and distance.
The HL irons are designed for golfers looking for a higher launch speed and faster club head speed. The lighter and loftier irons (HL = High Launch) are designed to provide increased trajectory and improved overall performance. With a similar price point to the standard Qi irons, these are designed for players who are specifically interested in optimising their long shots.

Both the TaylorMade Qi10 irons and the HL version are also available in a ladies version. The lofts are the same as in the men’s clubs. Only the shafts are designed for slightly slower swing speeds. Many female golfers will be particularly pleased that the clubs do not differ visually from the other models. No pink, no pastel – TaylorMade is now focussing on a sporty look here too.

TaylorMade expands its range with the Qi10 series

With the Qi10 series, TaylorMade is continuing its strategy of broadening its range of golf clubs. Golfers of all levels are catered for, without having to sacrifice individuality and personal requirements. While beginners will find a variant designed for support in the Max variants (woods) and the HL iron series, better players can make their own adjustments with the Qi10 Tour (fairway woods) and the Qi10 LS driver using a movable weight and thus adjust the new TaylorMade golf clubs according to their own wishes.

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Callaway Golf announces new Paradym Ai Smoke woods and irons

The new Callaway Golf Paradym Ai Smoke Family. (Photo: Callaway)
The new Callaway Golf Paradym Ai Smoke Family. (Photo: Callaway)

Callaway Golf, one of the industry’s leaders in equipment design, performance, and innovation, announced their new family of Paradym Ai Smoke Drivers, Fairway Woods, Irons, and Hybrids. Designed with extensive player data and a new Ai Smart Face to create sweet spots across the entire face, these clubs are available for pre-sale on January 12, and at retail starting on January 26.

“Sweeter from every Spot” – The new Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Drivers 2024

The Paradym Ai Smoke Drivers represent a quantum leap forward in Callaway’s Ai journey, with the most sophisticated face they’ve ever created from player data and machine learning. The Ai Smart Face optimises driver performance using swing dynamics from thousands of golfers. By leveraging Ai and Machine Learning, these swing dynamics are used to create over 50,000 virtual face prototypes, optimising performance for each head shape.

With Ai Smart Face technology, micro deflections are activated upon impact helping to optimise launch and spin on off-centre shots. The result is sweet spots not just in the centre, but all over the face. The 360° Carbon Chassis has been refined to promote increased weight distribution. By adding an internal titanium support structure, the Carbon Chassis is now 15% lighter. This mass has been redistributed into the head to improve launch conditions and add forgiveness.

Four models are available: Ai Smoke MAX is suited for every level of player with a forgiving shape and adjustable perimeter weighting for up to 19 yards of shot shape correction. MAX D is built with high MOI, and a generously stretched profile for players looking for shot shape correction. Triple Diamond is for better players looking for increased workability, and MAX Fast promotes lightweight, easy-to-swing performance.

Paradym Ai Smoke Fairway Woods

The Paradym Ai Smoke Fairway Woods feature Callaway’s Ai Smart Face. Every face is designed to optimise launch and spin, creating sweet spots across the entire face. Based on player testing and feedback, the Callaway engineering team focused particularly on improving performance low on the face, where a lot of misses with fairway woods take place.

Their Carbon Chassis has been refined to promote enhanced launch, spin, and increased forgiveness. And the Tungsten Speed Cartridge pushes the centre of gravity (CG) low and forward for improved launch and distance.

Four models are available: Ai Smoke MAX is the most extensive offering for consistent launch and a neutral ball flight. MAX D is built with high MOI for players looking for shot shape correction, and Triple Diamond is suited for better players who want more workability. MAX Fast is the lightest weight model, providing a forgiving shape that’s easy to launch with draw bias.

Paradym Ai Smoke Hybrids

The hybrids use Ai Smart Face to promote maximum distance with tight dispersion into the green. They feature a shallower profile for high, easy launch while the Tungsten Speed Cartridge creates exceptional distance. A more pronounced sole camber offers enhanced turf interaction, ensuring precise, clean contact.

Three models are available: Ai Smoke features a brand-new contemporary design with a larger profile for amplified forgiveness and instilled confidence at address. Additionally, a more pronounced sole camber offers enhanced turf interaction, ensuring precise, clean contact. Ai Smoke HL is designed to increase distance, improve launch, and tighten dispersion. The lightweight Max Fast promotes more swing speed and launch.

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Irons

A total revolution in iron performance from Ai Smart Face. With the Ai Smart Face, the Paradym Ai Smoke irons promote exceptional distance, tight dispersion into the green, and optimal launch in a modern construction. The new shape consists of longer blade lengths, thinner toplines, and optimised sole widths to create a forgiving, yet streamlined look at address. An all-new Dynamic Sole Design features a pre-worn leading edge with variable bounce that cuts through the turf with extreme efficiency.

Three models are available in this game-improvement lineup: Ai Smoke is best suited for golfers with average to high swing speeds looking to maximise distance and improve dispersion. Ai Smoke HL is made for higher launch and more spin for players that need those added benefits. MAX Fast is built to optimise swing speed and increase launch.

Text: Callaway GolfThe new Paradym Ai Smoke family from Callaway promises better hits across the entire clubface. To achieve this, the developers are once again supported by artificial intelligence.

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Callaway announces new Chrome Tour and Chrome Soft Golfballs 2024

The new Callaway Chrome Soft, Chome Tour and Chrome Tour X Golfball 2024. (Photo: Callaway)
The new Callaway Chrome Soft, Chome Tour and Chrome Tour X Golfball 2024. (Photo: Callaway)

Callaway Golf, one of the industry’s leaders in equipment design, performance, and innovation, announced their new line of Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X, and Chrome Soft Golf Balls. From cover to core, these golf balls are the new gold standard for Callaway in performance, and they will all be available at retail on February 2.

Every detail in this lineup has been optimised, including the new Hyper Fast Soft Core, mantle designs, new Tour Seamless Aero package, and the cover formulation. Each of these technologies are measured through industry-leading manufacturing, with over 100 million proof points, for the most consistent performance. Throughout the development, Callaway’s R&D team has worked extensively with some of the best Tour players in the game, incorporating their detailed feedback into the engineering and performance characteristics of these golf balls.

Callaway Chrome Tour Golfballs: Designed for the best golfers out there

Chrome Tour is engineered for better players who want the best in distance and feel. It provides outstanding performance with exceptional speed, consistent flight, incredible spin, and greenside control. The core is engineered for the optimised balance of long distance and soft feel. The aerodynamic package is built for consistently stable ball flights in any condition. Additionally, better players can aggressively go after shots from added spin through the bag, while the cover system provides outstanding control and Tour-level feel.

Chrome Tour X is for the best players who want speed and the ultimate control from their Tour Ball. It provides outstanding distance, workability, and spin so you can experience your best performance from tee-to-green. The core promotes maximum ball speed and distance, especially off the driver, while the Seamless Tour Aero promotes consistently penetrating flight with enhanced workability for every club. Better players can also take advantage of the spin and workability in Chrome Tour X to hit the most precise iron and wedge shots.

Completing the lineup, Chrome Soft provides outstanding performance with faster ball speeds, a new seamless Tour Aero to optimise your ball flight, increased greenside control, and soft feel. It’s built for aspirational players who are looking for a Tour quality ball. Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X, and Chrome Soft will be available for purchase on February 2.

Text: Callaway Golf

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Professionals

World Golf Ranking: Slow start to the year for UK-Players

The UK players around Fleetwood and Hatton did not get off to a good start in the new year. (Photos: Getty)
The UK players around Fleetwood and Hatton did not get off to a good start in the new year. (Photos: Getty)

In the current World Golf Ranking, Scottie Scheffler from the USA remains at the pinnacle holding the first position, consistent with the previous week’s standing. Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland also retains his second place, being the highest-ranked UK-Player in the list. McIlroy starts the new calendar year this week at the Dubai Invitational. The UK-Players did not get off to a good start in the new year.

To the complete World Golf Ranking

No changes in the Top Ten of the World Golf Ranking

Moving to the other elite players from the UK, Matt Fitzpatrick from England stays at number 8 in the World Golf Ranking, maintaining his previous week’s spot. However, there has been a negative shift for two English golfers; Tyrrell Hatton slides to 14th from 12th, and Tommy Fleetwood falls to 15th from 14th position in the rankings. Both players took part in the first tournament on the PGA Tour this year, The Sentry.

The third rank in the World Golf Ranking is still held by Jon Rahm from Spain, who retains his position from last week. Similarly, Viktor Hovland from Norway and Patrick Cantlay from the USA remain unchanged in their fourth and fifth positions respectively.

Beyond the top three, within the players ranking from fourth to tenth in the World Golf Ranking, all individuals have maintained their standings from the previous week. Xander Schauffele (6th), Max Homa (7th), Brian Harman (9th), and Wyndham Clark (10th) have all remained static in their respective rankings, emphasizing a period of equilibrium within the top tiers of professional golf.

Besides Hatton and Fleetwood also Justin Rose and Robert MacIntyre fall down in the World Golf Ranking, marking a tough start for the UK-Players.

This text was written with the help of AI

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Professionals

Scheffler Leads World Golf Ranking – Morikawa approaches Top Ten

The US golfing elite were in attendance at the PGA Tour's annual season opener. Scottie Scheffler and Morikawa lost out to Chris Kirk. (Photos: Getty)
The US golfing elite were in attendance at the PGA Tour's annual season opener. Scottie Scheffler and Morikawa lost out to Chris Kirk. (Photos: Getty)

The PGA Tour kicked off the 2024 calendar year with The Sentry. Scottie Scheffler and Patrick Cantlay maintain their first and fifth positions respectively in the World Golf Ranking. Holding firm at the top, Scheffler continues to exhibit consistency, while Cantlay remains a key figure among the elite. With no positional change this week, they represent stability for the American contingent atop the rankings.

To the complete World Golf Ranking

Top Ten starts the year with no changes

Xander Schauffele (6), Max Homa (7), and Brian Harman (9) round out the top five American golfers in the World Golf Ranking. Each retaining their previous week’s standing, they contribute to the United States’ dominance within the top echelons. Furthermore, Wyndham Clark holds the tenth spot.

Rory McIlroy remains in second place, Jon Rahm in third. The stability at the top tier is apparent, with Viktor Hovland also keeping his fourth ranking. Matt Fitzpatrick (8), representing England, and other prominent golfers from varying nationalities, contribute to the rich diversity within these ranks.

Collin Morikawa, having risen from thirteenth to eleventh, displays a positive shift for American golf in the World Golf Ranking. The 26-year-old finished in a tie for fifth place at The Sentry on the PGA Tour and is knocking on the door of the Top Ten. Tournament winner Chris Kirk and runner-up Sahith Theegala also climb up the World Golf Ranking. While Kirk improves from 52nd to 25th place, Theegala jumps from 32nd to 20th.

This text was written with the help of AI

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Panorama

Milestones: Key moments that shaped the 2023 golf year

Greg Norman, the face of the LIV Tour (top left) and Allisen Corpuz as Major winner at Pebble Beach. (Photo: Getty)
Greg Norman, the face of the LIV Tour (top left) and Allisen Corpuz as Major winner at Pebble Beach. (Photo: Getty)

Over the past twelve months, golf has constantly evolved on various levels. All areas of golf are changing over time and are constantly experiencing key moments that point the development of the sport in a new direction. We take a look at various decisions, announcements and moments that have had a lasting impact on golf in 2023.

The OWGR turned down LIV Golf

The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) announced in October that players in the LIV Golf League would remain excluded from the world ranking points. The decision resulted from a lack of comparability of the LIV format with other tours and problems such as a lack of cuts and questionable qualification methods. OWGR Chairman Peter Dawson emphasised that the rejection was not politically motivated, but was based on technical reasons. LIV Golf reacted angrily and questioned the trustworthiness of the OWGR system. However, Dawson emphasised that the rejection was not final and LIV could resubmit applications if they showed a willingness to compromise.

Sanctions and suspensions for LIV defectors

After months of discussion and speculation about possible sanctions to be imposed on LIV defectors from the DP World Tour, a decision was made in the middle of the year. The Tour officially imposed sanctions on players who had taken part in LIV Golf League and Asian Tour tournaments without authorisation. The offences against the “Conflicting Tour Regulation” were deemed reasonable and proportionate. The penalties, which include fines of up to £100,000 for each individual offence and possible tournament bans, were determined on an individual basis depending on the impact on broadcast partners, sponsors and DP World Tour stakeholders.

PGA-PIF-Deal: Merger of the tours

An earthquake in the golf world: the PGA Tour, the LIV Golf League and the DP World Tour unexpectedly merged under one umbrella at the beginning of June and immediately settled all legal disputes. The new merger, steered by the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF), was the result of months of hostilities between the tours. An official statement said the parties have signed an agreement that brings together the rights and operations of the three tours involved “into a new, collectively owned, for-profit entity to ensure that all stakeholders benefit from a model that maximises excitement and competition among the game’s best players”.

Delay in the start of “The Golf League”

The premiere of “The Golf League” (TGL), which was originally scheduled to take place in January 2024, had to be postponed to 2025 at the end of the year after a power failure during construction work led to the collapse of the dome of the SoFi Centre on 14 November. Although no injuries were reported and most of the technology was unaffected, the incident had a huge impact on the schedule. The decision to postpone was made after discussions with key partners, including players, team owners, PGA Tour leadership and sponsors. The TGL is confident that the extension will improve the quality. League co-founders Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy expressed disappointment about the delay but remained optimistic about the future of the TGL.

Confirmed: Golf ball rollback will come into force

The USGA and R&A rule makers announced that the driving distance of golf balls will be reduced from January 2028. The new test procedures for the “ODS” (Overall Distance Standard) are intended to limit the effects of increased hitting distances and ensure the sustainability of the sport. The rule changes affect both professional and amateur players. For average male professionals, this means a loss of nine to eleven yards, while proettes can expect a loss of five to seven yards. Male amateur players could hit their ball three to five yards shorter. The far-reaching changes for the recreational sector will take effect from 2030.

PGA Tour players on the DP World Tour

From 2024, PGA Tour players will have the opportunity to compete on the DP World Tour. PGA Tour players ranked 126th to 200th in the FedEx Cup Rankings will receive full membership on the DP World Tour. In addition, all PGA Tour players competing in a Race to Dubai tournament in 2024 will be eligible for Affiliate Membership to earn Race to Dubai points and qualify for the 2024 DP World Tour Playoffs. A new category, “Category 12”, will allow five of these PGA Tour players per week to participate in DP World Tour events.

Progress in ladies’ golf

It is not only men’s golf that is undergoing constant development. A lot has also happened in women’s golf in 2023: never before has so much money been paid out in the women’s leagues as in 2023. On the LPGA Tour, there was a total of over 101 million dollars in prize money. In addition, the US Women’s Open was held at the legendary Pebble Beach golf course for the first time since the inaugural Women’s Major 72 years ago. This move marked a milestone for women’s golf and increased media exposure and financial support. The event also introduced shot tracker technology, enabling live shot tracking. The prize money was increased to a total of eleven million dollars – a lot of progress that promotes equality in women’s golf.

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Panorama

Ryder Cup Triumphs to Ace Hat-Trick: The Best Golf Shots of 2023

The year 2023 thrilled with grandiose strokes on both the big stage and the smaller one. (Photos: Getty)
The year 2023 thrilled with grandiose strokes on both the big stage and the smaller one. (Photos: Getty)

2023 was marked by major tournaments and outstanding shots, often coinciding. The Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup provided particularly memorable moments alongside prestigious individual events. However, even on a smaller stage, the odd shot or two caught the golf world’s attention. So, let’s enjoy the most brilliant shots of the year together.

Ryder Cup 2023: Hovland’s Pro Practice Hole-in-One Sets the Course

Leading up to the Ryder Cup, Viktor Hovland delivered an exceptional shot from over 270 meters during a practice round. The Norwegian set the stage for victory at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club with a Hole-in-One on the Par-4 of the fifth hole. Initially, the celebration was delayed, but joy knew no bounds when the ball landed on the green, took two small bounces, and rolled into the hole. While Hovland didn’t replicate the albatross during the tournament, his outstanding shot set the tone for an extraordinary performance.

On the tournament’s first day, Hovland showcased his prowess at shorter distances, delivering a remarkable chip-in despite chipping not being his forte. Hovland contributed significantly to Team Europe’s strong start in the Ryder Cup with that fantastic shot. The hosts secured a 4-0 lead on the opening day, a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Inspired by Hovland’s chip-in, Jon Rahm, also known as ‘Rahmbo,’ demonstrated his nerves of steel during the Fourballs on the first day. The Spaniard excelled in crucial moments throughout the Ryder Cup and gave free rein to his emotions after winning the hole against Scheffler and Koepka. Rahm and Hojgaard ultimately tied the match against the Americans and played a significant role in Team Europe’s dream start.

Solheim Cup 2023: Ciganda’s Brilliance Leads Team Europe to Victory at Home

A week before the Ryder Cup, European women golfers showcased how winning on home soil is done. Carlota Ciganda stood out during the Solheim Cup 2023 in an exceptional home game in Andalusia, Spain. The singles at the Solheim Cup 2023 could hardly have been more thrilling, as both teams entered the final day with a tie. Almost all matches were close, with the teams alternating securing hole wins. The initial matches were split, with the USA securing four points and Europe another four.

The score was 13-13, with two matches still to play. Ciganda played a decisive role in one of these matches, ensuring the crucial point against Nelly Korda. Ciganda was already leading with ‘3 up’ after eight holes, but the tide turned on the back nine. The American won three holes and went ‘All Square’ to the 16th. Ciganda excited the fans, repeatedly regaining the lead with a birdie. On the 17th, she attacked the flag of the Par-3 with an outstanding drive. Korda missed the green on the left, and the Spaniard had no trouble securing the 14th point for her team with a short putt. Sky reporter Jamie Weir called it the “best golf shot of the year so far.” An unbelievable shot at a moment when the pressure could hardly be higher.

The Solheim Cup 2023 featured another historic shot by Emily Kristine Pedersen, who not only won an essential hole for Team Europe through a hole-in-one on the par-3 12th hole but also created an unforgettable memory with only the second hole-in-one in the history of the Solheim Cup.

Incredible hole-in-one Hat-Trick at the Players Championship

The Players Championship 2023 was a record-breaking tournament. Not only did it feature the highest prize money in the history of the PGA Tour, with $25 million, but it also witnessed a parade of holes-in-one at the 17th hole. There had been ten holes-in-one in the tournament’s history on the 17th hole, and the 11th came swiftly. Hayden Buckley, who started in the second flight at the 10th hole, set the bar high and sank the ball with a single stroke. The ball landed a distance to the flag’s right and then rolled towards the hole, perfectly lining up for the jackpot.
The second hole-in-one set a record as well. On Moving Day, Aaron Rai thrilled the spectators with an ace and became part of a historic moment: The first time in 49 years of the Players Championship that two holes-in-one occurred in the same year on the 17th hole.
As if that weren’t enough, the final day was yet to come, and Alex Smalley delighted the audience with the third ace of the week.

Near Miss Excellence: Nicolai von Dellingshausen’s Heart-Stopping Shot at the British Masters

During the British Masters, Nicolai von Dellingshausen narrowly missed a hole-in-one at the British Masters, with his tee shot on the 14th hole at The Belfry coming within two centimetres of the cup.

Sepp Straka’s Dream Shot at the Masters

The US Masters 2023 had barely begun, and Sepp Straka already had a reason to celebrate. During the preparatory round leading up to the tournament, the Austrian made a hole-in-one on the 12th hole. His caddy and the entire flight rejoiced along with the Vienna-born player for the magnificent shot.

Sahith Theegala then caused a sensation with a stroke of genius during the tournament. The American delivered an impressive overall performance on the final day of the US Masters 2023. The 67-round of the Masters rookie was crowned by an incredible chip-in on the 16th hole. The dream shot reminded some spectators of a legendary shot from the US Masters 2005. Back then, golf legend Tiger Woods also holed the ball from a similar position, sending the audience into a frenzy.

Koepka Makes it Rain at LIV Golf’s ‘Watering Hole’

The party hole at the LIV Golf event in Adelaide, Australia, lived up to its name, “The Watering Hole,” as the party hole at Hole 12 was christened at the LIV Golf League in Australia. On the final day, Chase Koepka gave the crowd a reason to celebrate, delivering an impressive hole-in-one.

Michael Block’s PGA Championship Fairy Tale

Michael Block delighted fans as the underdog at this year’s PGA Championship. As the only PGA Professional to make it to the weekend of the 2023 PGA Championship, he entered the final round from the top 10 after three rounds in the 70s, alongside none other than Rory McIlroy. Fans celebrated him as a star, and he crowned his week with a hole-in-one on the 15th hole. The fan favourite could hardly believe that the ball landed in the hole. ‘It didn’t go in, did it?’

Nick Hardy’s Brilliant Birdie With a Shattered Club

Nick Hardy created a highlight on the PGA Tour with a sensational shot. His drive landed unfavourably right in front of a tree. He took the entire risk and hit the ball over the water onto the green. The club struck the tree so forcefully during the swing that it was no longer usable afterwards. However, the ball landed three and a half meters from the flag, allowing him to achieve one of the most spectacular birdies of the year. Even Billy Horschel congratulated him.